Tevis Austin

The Sights of Christmas

Here are some pictures from the past few weeks leading up to Christmas.

Megan and Brendon both had Christmas programs at their preschool the exact same night and time at two different locations.  Tami and I had to split up and record both programs.  We all came back home and watched the video.  I did attend Megan's practice where she was trying to figure out why the girl next to her was doing a belly dance.

 

I attended Brendon's program.  Here are a couple of pictures of him and the other shepherds.

 

 

After the program, Brendon was a very tired shepherd.

 

Brendon and Megan were angels in the Christmas program at our church.   

 

This year Newark Naz helped to provide Christmas for 16 families in our community by giving them gifts, turkeys, cookies, and gift cards for groceries.  Several people wrapped gifts at The Firehouse for these families.

On another day, we invited families in the community to have cookies with Santa at The Firehouse. Several teens along with some families who attend The Firehouse helped to greet, serve cookies, and play games.  

 

 

The Force of Life

It has been awhile since I have blogged, and it may be a while before I blog again.  I have been checking my facebook though.  Life has just been too busy and complex lately.  As a result, I haven't made the time to blog, and I really haven't known what to blog about. 

I took a trip to Portland, Oregon a few weeks ago for an event.  It was also an opportunity to connect with some friends I only see once or twice a year, and to take some time to reflect.  I actually took some time to travel to Multnomah Falls one afternoon.  I was hoping to have time to hike and journal, but the weather wasn't great. 

Multnomah Falls is actually the second largest waterfall in the U.S.  As you can see from the picture I took, the falls and the leaves were incredible. If you have read the book, The Shack, you may remember that it talks about Multnomah Falls.  Someone let me borrow their book, but I haven't read it yet.

As I walked near the falls, I read a story about a wedding party that had an unexpected disruption several years ago when a boulder the size of a bus broke loose from the falls and fell.  The force of the waterfall eventually changed the structure.  The boulder made such a large splash that the force from the splash injured 13 people.  

I have spent more time since Portland praying and reflecting.  I think sometimes the force of life can cause you to change your rhythm and focus.  It can cause you to reevaluate life and re-prioritize.  All of that can be a very natural and healthy process if you let it.  I think that is the hard part though.  However, as we now prepare for Christmas, I have been reminded and I am thankful that there is One who provides peace and hope in the midst of the force of life.